RU2774800C1 - Disposable product for wearing - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: disposable products.

SUBSTANCE: disposable product for wearing has stretchable structure (20X) with an elastic sheet, in which first sheet layer (20A) ad second sheet layer (20B) are connected by means of connection holes (31) passing through elastic sheet (30) in a set of connected parts located at intervals. At the same time, on part of elastic sheet (30) located in stretchable zone (80), first pattern (51) is printed, on part of elastic sheet (30) located in non-stretchable zone (70), second pattern (52) is printed. First pattern (51) and second pattern (52) are the same, when stretchable zone (80) and non-stretchable zone (70) are in a state corresponding to the relative elongation at the elasticity limit. A size of elements of a pattern, which is first pattern (51), determined in the direction of stretching, at a stretching degree of stretchable area (80) of 130% or more, is 80% or more of a size of elements of a pattern, which is first pattern (51), determined in the direction of stretching, when stretchable zone (80) is in a state corresponding to the relative elongation at the elasticity limit.

EFFECT: reduction in the difference in the appearance of a pattern between a stretchable zone and a non-stretchable zone, when wearing.

4 cl, 30 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

[0001]

The present invention relates to a disposable wear article including a stretch zone having a printed pattern portion.

Prior Art

[0002]

In order to improve the fit of a disposable wear article, such as a disposable diaper, to the surface of the body, it is common to provide elasticity to appropriate areas of the article, such as around the legs and around the waist. As a method for imparting elasticity, a method of attaching an elongate elastic member such as a rubber thread in a state in which the elastic member is stretched in its longitudinal direction is conventionally widely used. However, when it is desired to impart elasticity over a certain width, the option is chosen in which the rubber threads are fixed in a state in which they are placed next to each other at intervals over a given width. In addition, a method has been proposed in which an elastic sheet is attached in a state in which it is stretched in an elasticizing direction as a very good surface conforming material (For example, see Patent Literature 1).

[0003]

A stretch structure including this elastic sheet is obtained by placing the elastic sheet between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, and connecting the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer through connection holes formed in the elastic sheet in a plurality of connected parts having the shape of points and spaced in the stretch direction and the direction orthogonal thereto, in a state in which the elastic sheet is stretched in the stretch direction. The stretchable elastic sheet structure can be obtained not only with a stretchable area in which the elongation at elastic limit changes depending on the arrangement and area ratio of the connected parts and the elongation at the elastic limit changes, but also with a non-stretchable area that almost does not stretched or not stretched. In the stretch zone in the natural length state, when the elastic sheet is contracted between the connected parts, the interval between the connected parts is narrowed, and folds extending in a direction crossing the stretching direction are formed between the connected parts in the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer. On the other hand, at the time of stretching, when stretching the elastic sheet between the connected parts, the interval between the connected parts increases and the folds in the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer expand, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer can be elastically stretched to the fully expanded state.

[0004]

The stretch zone formed by the elastic sheet provides a very good surface fit, is extremely flexible because there is no bonding between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer and the elastic sheet, and the joint zone between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer is extremely small and stretchable. the zone has the advantage that the connection holes formed in the elastic sheet contribute to increased breathability.

[0005]

Meanwhile, on the disposable wear article, a pattern is formed by printing, and examples of the pattern include a pattern for decoration (including a picture and a single-dot mark), a function indication such as use, use assistance, or size, or a marking indication such as a title. manufacturer, product name, or distinguishing feature (for example, see patent literature 2). In most cases, such a printed pattern portion is formed by printing on a material such as a nonwoven fabric forming the outer surface of a disposable wear article, or a printed pattern sheet is attached.

[0006]

In addition, when such a conventional method is applied to the stretch area, there is a problem that the pattern shrinks to a large extent due to wrinkling in the printed pattern material in the natural length state. Thus, in order to solve this problem, it has been proposed to provide a stretch zone by a stretch structure including an elastic sheet, and to print a pattern on a portion of the elastic sheet disposed in the stretch zone (for example, see Patent Literature 3). In this case, wrinkles or folds in the elastic sheet are not generated by stretching or contracting, and therefore there is no contraction of the pattern, which is caused by the formation of wrinkles or folds, in the decorative predetermined portion of the pattern. In addition, when the entire pattern is stretched or contracted evenly, the shape of the pattern changes uniformly and therefore the overall "balance" of the pattern is not lost.

[0007]

However, in the case of providing a non-stretch zone in a stretch structure including an elastic sheet, when a uniform printing pattern is applied to the part corresponding to the stretch zone and the part corresponding to the non-stretch zone in the elastic sheet, the elastic sheet almost does not shrink in the non-stretch zone, in while the elastic sheet shrinks to some extent in the stretch zone during wearing. Thus, the difference in appearance of the pattern between the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area becomes large. In particular, if there is no uniformity in two regions, there is a problem that deformation of one of the regions becomes noticeable.

[0008]

In order to improve the appearance of the pattern of the stretchable area in the wearing state, it can be provided that the pattern is not printed only on the portion of the elastic sheet located in the non-stretched area. However, since it is generally difficult to stably position the non-printed pattern part in the non-stretch area during manufacture, it is desirable to print the pattern uniformly on the elastic sheet.

Link List

Patent Literature

[0009]

Patent Literature 1: JP 5967736 B1

Patent Literature 2: JP 2015-204982 A

The essence of the invention

Technical problem

[0010]

Therefore, the main object of the invention is to reduce the difference in appearance of the pattern between the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area in the state when worn.

Solution

[0011]

Disposable wear products that solve the above problems are as follows.

[0012]

<First Aspect>

A disposable wear article having a stretchable structure with an elastic sheet, in which the elastic sheet is placed between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are connected by connection holes passing through the elastic sheet, or by an elastic sheet located between them, in a multitude of connected parts spaced apart,

wherein the zone having a stretchable structure with an elastic sheet has a stretchable zone, which is contracted in the stretching direction under the action of the tightening force generated by the elastic sheet, and is capable of stretching in the stretching direction, and a non-stretching zone,

on the part of the elastic sheet located in the stretch zone, the first pattern is printed, including elements of the pattern,

on the part of the elastic sheet located in the non-stretch zone, a second pattern is printed, including elements of the pattern,

the first pattern and the second pattern are the same when the stretchable zone and the non-stretchable zone are in a state corresponding to the relative elongation at the elastic limit, and

the stretching direction size of the pattern constituting the first pattern, when the stretching ratio of the stretching area is 130% or more, is 80% or more of the size of the pattern constituting the first pattern, determined in the stretching direction, when the stretching area is in the state , corresponding to the relative elongation at the limit of elasticity.

[0013]

(Action and result)

In this disposable wear article, the first pattern and the second pattern are the same when the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area are in a state corresponding to elongation at elastic limit. This description simply means that a uniform printed pattern is applied to the stretch zone part and the non-stretch zone part in the elastic sheet. In addition, in this disposable wearing article, the size of the elements of the pattern constituting the first pattern, determined in the stretching direction, when the stretching ratio of the stretchable area is 130% or more, that is, in the normal state when worn, is 80% or more of that determined in the direction of stretching the size of the elements of the pattern, which is the first pattern, when the stretching area is in a state corresponding to the relative elongation at the elastic limit. For this reason, there is little difference in appearance between the patterns in the stretch area and the non-stretch area during wear.

[0014]

It should be noted that the term "same" in relation to the first pattern and the second pattern means that the elements of the patterns have the same dimensions, shapes, orientations, layouts, and so on. However, it is natural that the areas of patterns, the number of pattern elements, which varies depending on the area, or discontinuity, the absence of pattern elements, etc. may differ. In addition, "pattern elements" are elements included in a distinguishable part as a part different from other parts in the pattern, and are not particularly limited.

[0015]

<Second Aspect>

The disposable wear article according to the first aspect, comprising:

an area having an elastic sheet stretch structure and an area that does not have an elastic sheet stretch structure and is continuous with the area having an elastic sheet stretch structure, and

a non-stretch sheet other than the elastic sheet and extending from the non-stretch zone to the zone having no stretch structure with the elastic sheet,

wherein the non-stretch sheet is printed with a third pattern including a pattern element, and

the third pattern includes pattern elements that are the same as those of the pattern constituting the first pattern when the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area are in a state corresponding to the elastic limit elongation.

[0016]

(Action and result)

In most cases, the disposable wear article does not often have a stretchable structure as a whole. This description similarly applies to the case of choosing an elastic sheet stretch structure. Therefore, in order to add a pattern in a wider area in a disposable wear product having a stretch structure with an elastic sheet as in this aspect, it is preferable to make a third pattern on a non-stretch sheet other than the elastic sheet and extending from the non-stretch area to the area having no stretch. elastic sheet structures. In this case, similarly to the relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern, in order to improve the integrity of the pattern, the third pattern preferably includes pattern elements that are the same as those of the pattern constituting the first pattern when the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area are in a state corresponding to relative elongation at the limit of elasticity. Thus, in the wearing state, the difference in appearance between the first pattern and the third pattern is reduced.

[0017]

It should be noted that the "sameness" of the elements of the patterns in relation to the first pattern and the third pattern means that the sizes and shapes are the same, and the colors and directions may differ.

[0018]

In addition, the technical feature according to the second aspect may not require a second pattern. Therefore, it is significant even when the second pattern is not made. That is, the following disposable wear article is possible.

<Example of applying the second aspect>

A disposable wear article having a stretchable structure with an elastic sheet, in which the elastic sheet is placed between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are connected by connection holes passing through the elastic sheet, or by an elastic sheet located between them, in a multitude of connected parts spaced apart,

wherein the area having a stretchable structure with an elastic sheet is contracted in the stretching direction under the action of the tightening force generated by the elastic sheet, and has a stretchable area, which is stretchable in the stretching direction, and a non-stretching area,

an area having an elastic sheet stretch structure and an area having no stretch elastic sheet structure and being continuous with the area having an elastic sheet stretch structure are provided,

a non-stretch sheet is provided, different from the elastic sheet and extending from the non-stretch zone to the zone having no stretch structure with the elastic sheet,

on the part of the elastic sheet located in the stretch zone, the first pattern is printed, including elements of the pattern,

the non-stretch sheet is printed with a third pattern including pattern elements,

the third pattern includes pattern elements that are the same as those of the pattern constituting the first pattern when the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area are in a state corresponding to elongation at the elastic limit, and

the stretching direction size of the pattern constituting the first pattern, when the stretching ratio of the stretching area is 130% or more, is 80% or more of the size of the pattern constituting the first pattern, determined in the stretching direction, when the stretching area is in the state , corresponding to the relative elongation at the limit of elasticity.

[0019]

<Third Aspect>

A disposable article to be worn according to the second aspect,

wherein the pattern elements are spaced in at least one of the second pattern and the third pattern,

at least parts of the second pattern and the third pattern overlap each other,

the minimum value of the interval defined in the stretch direction between the pattern elements located in the stretch direction in one of the second pattern and the third pattern is greater than the minimum value of the size of the pattern elements in the other pattern determined in the stretch direction, and

the minimum value of the orthogonally defined spacing between the pattern elements located in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the stretch direction in this one pattern is greater than the minimum value of the size of the pattern elements defined in the orthogonal direction in the other pattern.

[0020]

(Action and result)

In the case of the second pattern and the third pattern described above, in the non-stretch zone, there is a concern that the elements of the pattern of the second pattern of the elastic sheet and the elements of the pattern of the third pattern of the non-stretch sheet may overlap each other, resulting in to the "overloaded" appearance. Therefore, it is preferable that the interval between the elements of the pattern representing one pattern is sufficiently large in relation to the size of the elements of the pattern representing another pattern, while the elements of the pattern will rarely overlap compared to the other case, and the "congestion" of the appearance will be reduced, as in this aspect.

[0021]

In addition, the technical feature according to the third aspect is significant in a case other than the case in which "the third pattern includes pattern elements that are the same as those of the pattern constituting the first pattern when the stretch ratio of the stretchable zone is 130- 170%". That is, the following disposable wear article is preferable.

<Example of Application of the Third Aspect>

A disposable wear article having a stretchable structure with an elastic sheet, in which the elastic sheet is placed between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are connected by connection holes passing through the elastic sheet, or by an elastic sheet located between them, in a multitude of connected parts spaced apart,

wherein the zone having a stretchable structure with an elastic sheet has a stretchable zone, which is contracted in the stretching direction under the action of the tightening force generated by the elastic sheet, and is capable of stretching in the stretching direction, and a non-stretching zone,

an area having an elastic sheet stretch structure and an area having no stretch elastic sheet structure and being continuous with the area having an elastic sheet stretch structure are provided,

a non-stretch sheet is provided, different from the elastic sheet and extending from the non-stretch zone to the zone having no stretch structure with the elastic sheet,

on the part of the elastic sheet located in the non-stretch zone, a second pattern is printed, including elements of the pattern,

the non-stretch sheet is printed with a third pattern including pattern elements,

the third pattern is a pattern in which pattern elements are spaced,

at least parts of the second pattern and the third pattern overlap each other,

the minimum value of the interval defined in the stretch direction between the pattern elements located in the stretch direction in one of the second pattern and the third pattern is greater than the minimum value of the size of the pattern elements in the other pattern determined in the stretch direction, and

the minimum value of the orthogonally defined spacing between the pattern elements located in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the stretch direction in this one pattern is greater than the minimum value of the size of the pattern elements defined in the orthogonal direction in the other pattern.

[0022]

<The Fourth Aspect>

A disposable article to be worn according to any one of the first to third aspects,

wherein the disposable wear article is a disposable pant-type article designed to be worn and including an integral outer member enclosing the front body and the rear body, or an outer member provided separately for the front body and the rear body , an inner member attached to the portion of the outer member intermediate in the width direction and extending both from/to the front and from/to the back sides of the crotch portion, the side seam portions obtained by joining respectively both side portions of the outer member into the front body and both side parts of the outer member in the back body, a waist opening, two openings for the right and left legs, and an absorbent component included in the inner member and extending both from/to the front and from/to the back sides of the crotch portion ,

wherein the outer element in at least one of the front body and the rear body has a zone corresponding to the absorbent component and defined as a zone extending in the front-to-back direction and overlapping the absorbent component, and an elastic sheet stretch structure is provided at least in an area that extends in the width direction and corresponds to the part located between the side seam portions in the area corresponding to the absorbent component, so that the direction of stretching of the elastic sheet stretch structure becomes the width direction, and

in the zone corresponding to the absorbent component, the part intermediate in the width direction is a non-stretch zone, and the zone extending in the width direction and the corresponding part located between the non-stretch zone and the side seam parts is a stretch zone.

[0023]

(Action and result)

In the case of providing a stretch zone in the outer member of a disposable pant-type article to be worn, for manufacturing reasons, it is desirable to place an elastic sheet in the part of the outer member that overlaps the absorbent component. However, this part is a zone that does not require stretching and contraction, and is usually made in the form of a non-stretchable zone. Therefore, the aforementioned first pattern and second pattern are particularly preferred for such a disposable pant-type article to be worn.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0024]

According to the invention, it is possible to reduce the difference in appearance of the pattern between the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area in the wearing state.

Brief description of the drawings

[0025]

Fig. 1 is a plan view (inner surface side) of a pant-type disposable diaper in an unfolded state.

Fig. 2 is a plan view (outer surface side) of a pant-type disposable diaper in an unfolded state.

Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating only the main part of the underpants-type disposable diaper in an unfolded state.

Fig. 4(a) is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in Fig. 1, and Fig. 4(b) is a sectional view taken along the line E-E in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a plan view (inner surface side) of the main part of the stretch zone in the underpants-type disposable diaper in the unfolded state.

Fig. 8(a) is a sectional view corresponding to line C-C in Fig. 1, and Fig. 8(b) is a sectional view corresponding to line E-E in Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a plan view and sectional views illustrating an example of a layout of the connected parts.

Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating an example of a layout of connected parts.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a layout of connected parts, wherein Fig. 11(a) is a plan view and Fig. 11(b) is a sectional view taken along the line B-B.

Fig. 12 illustrates an example of a layout of the connected parts, wherein Fig. 12(a) is a plan view and Fig. 12(b) is a sectional view taken along line B-B.

Fig. 13 is a plan view illustrating an example of a layout of connected parts.

Fig. 14 is a plan view illustrating an example of a layout of connected parts.

Fig. 15 is a plan view illustrating an example of a layout of connected parts.

Fig. 16 is a plan view illustrating an example of a layout of connected parts.

Fig. 17 is a plan view illustrating an example of a layout of connected parts.

Fig. 18 is a plan view illustrating an example of a layout of connected parts.

Fig. 19 is a plan view illustrating an example of a layout of connected parts.

Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the shape of the connected parts.

Fig. 21 is a sectional view illustrating an example of bonding in the connected parts.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view illustrating an example of bonding in the connected parts.

Fig. 23 is a plan view illustrating an example of a bonding embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a schematic view of an ultrasonic welding device.

Fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram for comparison of an example of a layout of the connected parts.

Fig. 26 is a comparison diagram showing (a) a flattened state, (b) a natural length state, and (c) a state when wearing a pant-type disposable diaper in comparison.

Fig. 27 is a comparison diagram illustrating (a) a flattened state, (b) a natural length state, and (c) a state when wearing a pant type disposable diaper in comparison.

Fig. 28 is a plan view illustrating the body of the underpants-type disposable diaper in an unfolded state.

Fig. 29 is a plan view (inner surface side) of a pant-type disposable diaper in an unfolded state.

Fig. 30(a) is a sectional view taken along line C-C in Fig. 29, and Fig. 30(b) is a sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 29.

Description of Embodiments

[0026]

In the following, an example of a pant type disposable diaper will be given to describe the disposable wear article in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the dot pattern portion in the figures shows an adhesive as a bonding means that bonds the respective components located on its front surface side and its rear surface side, and the bonding means is formed by continuous coating, roller coating, bulk coating, Summit Coatings technology or hot melt adhesive spiral coating or pattern coating (hot melt adhesive transfer by letterpress), or adhesive application to the outer peripheral surface of the elastic element, for example, by applying with a comb spray gun or “sure wrap” nozzle instead of the above methods or together with the above methods in the fastened part of the elastic element. Examples of the hot melt adhesive include EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) adhesives, pressure-sensitive rubber (elastomer-based) adhesives, polyolefin-based adhesives, and polyester/polyamide adhesives, and they can be used without any or any special restriction. As the bonding agent that secures the respective components, a material-welding agent such as heat sealing or ultrasonic welding can be used.

[0027]

1 to 6 illustrate a pant-type disposable diaper (hereinafter also referred to simply as a diaper) as an example of a disposable wear article. Reference numeral ED denotes the stretch direction ED of the stretch zone, which is the same direction as the width direction WD of the diaper in this example. Reference numeral XD denotes a direction that is orthogonal to the stretch direction ED and is the same direction as the front-to-back direction LD of the diaper in this example.

[0028]

The pant-type disposable diaper has an outer member 20 forming a front body part F and a back body part B, and an inner member 10 attached to and integral with the inner surface of the outer member 20, and the inner member 10 is obtained by placing an absorbent component 13 between a liquid-permeable topsheet 11 and a liquid-impervious sheet 12. In manufacture, after attaching the back surface of the inner member 10 to the inner surface (top surface) of the outer member 20 with a bonding means such as a hot melt adhesive, the inner member 10 and the outer member 20 are bent at the center defined in the forward-backward direction LD (vertical direction ) which is the boundary between the front body part F and the back body part B, and both side parts thereof are fastened by heat sealing or hot melt adhesive to form side seam parts 21, whereby a pant-type disposable diaper is formed, in which an opening is formed for the waist and two holes for the right and left legs.

[0029]

(Internal element design example)

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the inner member 10 has a structure in which the absorbent 13 is sandwiched between the liquid-pervious top sheet 11 and the liquid-impervious sheet 12 formed of polyethylene, etc., and absorbs and retains the discharged liquid passing through the top sheet 11. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the inner member 10 in the plane, and this shape is usually a substantially rectangular shape, such as illustrated in Fig.1.

[0030]

As the top sheet 11 that covers the front surface side (skin side) of the absorbent component 13, a perforated or non-perforated nonwoven fabric, a porous plastic sheet, etc. is preferably used. As the fiber constituting the raw material and included in fibers for nonwoven fabric, in addition to synthetic fibers such as polyolefin-based fiber such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyester-based fiber and polyamide-based fiber, regenerated fibers such as rayon and copper ammonium, and natural fibers such as cotton, and a nonwoven fabric obtained by a suitable manufacturing method such as a hydroentangling method, a spunbonding method, a thermal bonding method, a melt blown method, or a needling method can be used. Among these manufacturing methods, the hydroentangling method provides very good flexibility and drapeability, and the thermal bonding method provides very good bulk and softness. When a plurality of through holes are formed in the top sheet 11, urine, etc. can be quickly absorbed, and the ability to provide a dry feeling to the touch becomes very good. The topsheet 11 extends to the back surface side of the absorbent 13 while being folded around the side edge portions of the absorbent 13.

[0031]

As the liquid-impermeable sheet 12 covering the rear surface side (non-skin-contact side) of the absorbent component 13, a liquid-impervious plastic sheet of polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. is used. However, in recent years, for reasons of preventing mustiness, a sheet having moisture permeability is preferably used. For example, this waterproof and moisture-permeable sheet is a microporous sheet obtained by mixing an inorganic filler into a melt of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene to form a sheet, and then stretching the sheet in one or two directions.

[0032]

The absorbent 13 can be a known absorbent, such as a clump of cellulose fibers, a collection of fibers, such as cellulose acetate, or an element having a non-woven material as a backing and optionally a superabsorbent polymer mixed and bonded thereto. Optionally, the absorbent component 13 may be wrapped with a wrap sheet 14, such as crepe paper, having liquid permeability and liquid retention capacity to retain its shape and hold the resin.

[0033]

The shape of the absorbent 13 may be a substantially hourglass shape, and the absorbent 13 has a tapered portion 13N narrower than both the front and back sides at the crotch portion. The dimensions of the tapered portion 13N can be determined accordingly. However, the size of the tapered portion 13N in the front-back direction can be set to about 20-50% of the maximum length of the diaper, and the width of the narrowest part of the tapered portion 13N can be set to be approximately 40-60% of the maximum width of the absorbent component 13. In the case of such a tapered portion 13N with a substantially rectangular shape of the inner member 10 in the plane, an absorbent-free side portion 17 having no absorbent member 13 is formed in the portion of the inner member 10 that corresponds to the tapered portion 13N of the absorbent member 13.

[0034]

The liquid impervious sheet 12 is folded toward the back surface side together with the top sheet 11 on both sides of the absorbent 13 as defined in the width direction. As the liquid-impervious sheet 12, it is desirable to use an opaque sheet so that the brown color of discharge, urine, etc. is not visible. As the opaque sheet, a film obtained by adding a pigment or a filler such as calcium carbonate, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, white carbon, clay, talc or barium sulfate to a plastic is preferably used.

[0035]

The three-dimensional assemblies 90 adjacent to the legs are formed on both sides of the inner member 10. As illustrated in FIGS. from the fixed portion 91 to the side of the front surface of the inner member 10 on the side of the inner member 10, the lowered portion 93 formed by attaching the front and rear end portions of the body 92 to the side of the front surface of the inner member 10 (to the top sheet 11 in the illustrated embodiment implementation) in the lowered state, and a free part 94 formed by not being attached between the lowered parts 93. Each of these parts is formed from a gathering sheet 95, which is a double sheet obtained by folding a sheet of nonwoven fabric, etc. d. The gathering sheet 95 is attached to the entire length of the inner member 10 in the front-to-back direction, the lowered portion 93 is provided on the front side and the back side of the side portion 17 having no absorbent component, and the free portion 94 extends from both the front and back sides. a side portion 17 having no absorbent component. In addition, the elongated gather elastic 96 is placed in the upper portion of the free part between the parts of the double gather sheet 95 . As illustrated in FIG. 5, the gather elastic 96 is designed to lift the free portion 94 under the contraction force generated by the elastic in the state of use of the article.

[0036]

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, in a portion other than the lowered portion 93, the gather elastic 96 is attached and secured to the gather sheet 95 by a hot melt adhesive at the location of the gather elastic 96, and the opposite surfaces of the gather sheet 95 assemblies are not secured. However, in the lowered portion 93, there is no hot melt adhesive at the location of the gather elastic 96, and therefore, the gather elastic 96 and the gather sheet 95 are not bonded, and the opposite surfaces of the gather sheet 95 are not joined at the place where the gather elastic 96 is present. assemblies.

[0037]

The three-dimensional assemblies 90 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 correspond to the embodiment in which the main portions 92 are not bent.

[0038]

Examples of the assembly elastic member 96 include a commonly used material such as polystyrene-based rubber, polyolefin-based rubber, polyurethane-based rubber, polyester-based rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, silicone, or polyester. In addition, in order to make the gather elastics 96 difficult to see from the outside, it is preferable that the thickness is 925 dtex or less, the stretch ratio is 150-350%, and the spacing is 7.0 mm or less. It should be noted that, as the gather elastic member 96, a band-like member having a certain width other than a thread-like member as in the illustrated embodiment can be used.

[0039]

As the fiber forming the raw material and included in the gathering sheet 95, similarly to the top sheet 11, regenerated fibers such as rayon and copper ammonium, and natural fibers such as cotton, in addition to synthetic fibers such as polyolefin-based fiber such as such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyester fiber and polyamide fiber, and a nonwoven fabric obtained by a suitable manufacturing method such as a spunbond method, a thermal bonding method, a melt blown method, or a needling method can be used. In particular, in order to prevent mustiness, it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric having a low basis weight and very good air permeability. In addition, with respect to the gathering sheet 95, in order to prevent penetration of urine, etc., prevent rash, and improve texture (feeling dry), it is desirable to use a water-repellent non-woven fabric coated with a silicone-based, paraffin-metal-based water repellent or based on chromium alkyl chloride.

[0040]

As illustrated in Figs. 3-6, the back surface of the inner member 10 is attached to the inner surface of the outer member 20 by a hot melt adhesive, etc. in zone 10B of fastening of the inner and outer elements (zone with diagonal hatching). The bonding area 10B of the inner and outer members may be appropriately defined and may correspond to almost the entire extent of the inner member 10 in the width direction WD, and it is preferable that both ends in the width direction are not attached to the outer member 20.

[0041]

(Outer element construction example)

The outer member 20 protrudes outwardly from the side edges of the absorbent component 13. When considering the outer member 20, it can be noted that in the crotch portion, the side edges of the outer member 20 may be located on the side of the center in the width direction with respect to the side edges of the inner member 10, as in the illustrated embodiment, or may be located on their outer side in the width direction. In addition, the outer member 20 has a part T, which is placed on the lower part of the body, which is an area extending in the front-to-back direction and corresponding to the side seam parts 21, and an intermediate part L, which is an area extending in forward-backward direction between the lower body portion T of the front body F and the lower body portion T of the rear body B. the L portions defined in the width direction form corresponding leg openings, and as a whole forms an hourglass-like shape. The outer member 20 may be formed separately in the front body F and the rear body B, and both parts may be divided in the front-back direction LD of the diaper in the crotch portion.

[0042]

In addition, the outer member 20 of the illustrated embodiment has an elastic sheet stretch structure 20X in which an elastic sheet 30 such as an elastic film is interposed between the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4-6 except for the middle of the intermediate part L in the front-to-back direction, and the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are connected by connection holes 31 passing through the elastic sheet 30 in a plurality of connected parts 40 arranged at intervals as illustrated in Fig.9. In this case, the stretch direction ED is the width direction WD of the diaper. The first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B may be connected indirectly by the elastic sheet 30 instead of being connected by the connection holes 31 formed in the elastic sheet 30.

[0043]

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an embodiment in which the elastic sheet stretch structure 20X extends to the waist end portions 23. However, when the elastic sheet stretch structure 20X is used in the waist end portions 23, the contraction of the waist end portions parts 23 is insufficient. Optionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, instead of having an elastic sheet stretch structure 20X in the waist end portions 23, the stretch structure can be provided by means of conventional elongate waist portion members 24. The waist elastics 24 are elongated elastics such as a plurality of rubber threads spaced in the front-to-back direction LD, and they generate a tensile force to draw the waist of the body. The waist elastics 24 may not be spaced closely together in a substantially "bundle" manner, and three or more, preferably five or more, waist elastics 24 are spaced at intervals in the front-to-back direction of approximately 3-8 mm. , to form a given stretching zone. The degree of stretching of the elastic members 24 of the waist portion at the time of attachment can be determined accordingly. However, in the case of use for normal adults, the stretch ratio can be set to about 230-320%. In the illustrated example, the elastic elements 24 of the waist portion are formed from rubber threads. However, other elongated elastic elements, such as flat elastic bands, can be used, for example. Although not illustrated, an elastic sheet 30 may be provided in the waist end portions 23, and elongated waist portion elastics 24 may be provided at locations overlapping the elastic sheet 30, whereby a stretch structure is formed by both types of elastic members. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, elongated elastics extending along the leg openings are not provided at the edge portions surrounding the leg openings in the outer member 20. However, elongated elastics may be provided at locations overlapping the elastic sheet 30, in the edge parts or instead of the elastic sheet 30 in the edge parts.

[0044]

As another embodiment, although not illustrated, an embodiment may be selected in which the elastic sheet stretch structure 20X is not provided in the intermediate portion L between the lower body portion T of the front body portion F and the lower body portion T rear body part B, or a corresponding modification in which the elastic sheet stretch structure 20X is provided continuously in the front-to-back direction LD from the inside of the lower body part T of the front body part F to the inside of the lower body part T of the rear of the main body B and extends through the intermediate part L, or the elastic sheet stretch structure 20X is provided in only one of the front main body F and the rear main body B.

[0045]

(Closing sheet)

As illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, cover sheets 50 and 60 are provided to reinforce the outer member 20 or cover the front and rear end portions of the inner member 10 attached to the inner surface of the outer member 20. The illustrated embodiment will be described more specifically. The cover sheet 50 located on the front side extends all the way in the width direction WD from the inner surface of the folded portion 20C in the waist-side area on the inner surface of the front body F to the point where the cover sheet 50 overlaps the front end portion. of the inner member 10, and the cover sheet 60 located on the rear side extends all the way in the width direction WD from the inside surface of the folded portion 20C in the waist-side area on the inside surface of the back body B to the point where the cover sheet 60 overlaps the rear end of the inner member 10. Bonding between the cover sheets 50 and 60 and the inner surface of the outer member 20, i.e. the inner surface of the first sheet layer 20A in the illustrated example, may be provided by a hot melt adhesive or by welding materials. When a small unconnected part is provided all the way in the width direction WD (or may be provided only in the central part) in the crotch-side edge part of each of the cover sheets 50 and 60, this unconnected part may rise slightly from the top sheet 11 to function. as a wall to prevent leakage.

[0046]

When the cover sheets 50 and 60 are separately attached, as in the illustrated embodiment, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom in material selection is increased. However, there is a disadvantage that the number of materials is increased and the manufacturing process is lengthened. For this reason, the folded portion 20C obtained by folding the outer member 20 toward the inner surface of the diaper can be extended to a portion overlapping the inner member 10 to form a portion equivalent to the cover sheets 50 and 60 described above (not illustrated).

[0047]

(stretch zone)

The area of the outer member 20 having a 20X stretch structure with an elastic sheet has a stretch area that can be stretched and contracted in the width direction WD. In the stretch zone 80, the elastic sheet 30 has a portion 32 (see FIG. 12(a)), which is linearly continuous along the width direction WD, is contracted in the width direction WD under the action of the contraction force generated by the elastic sheet 30, and is stretchable. in the WD direction of the width. More specifically, in a state in which the elastic sheet 30 is stretched in the width direction WD, the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are bonded through the bonding holes 31 formed in the elastic sheet 30 at intervals in the width direction WD and the forward direction LD. back orthogonal thereto (direction LD orthogonal to the stretching direction), and a plurality of connected parts 40 are formed, whereby the elastic sheet stretching structure 20X is formed. Furthermore, such elasticity can be imparted to the stretch zone 80 by arranging the connection holes 31 so that the elastic sheet 30 has a portion 32 (see FIG. 12(a)) that is linearly continuous along the width direction WD.

[0048]

The stretch zone 80 may have a part (separating interval d, described later) in which the elastic sheet 30 is linearly continuous along the width direction WD, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 25(a) described later, or may not have this part. , as in the example illustrated in FIG. 25(b).

[0049]

In the natural length state illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 12(b), the stretch area 80 bulges in the direction in which the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B in the area between the connected portions 40 are separated from each other, and folds 25F are formed, passing in the direction LD back and forth. Even in a wearing state in which the folds 25F are stretched to some extent in the width direction WD, the folds 25F remain even though the folds 25F are stretched. In addition, when the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are not attached to the elastic sheet 30, except for at least the area between the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B in the connected portions 40, as shown in the illustrated example and as can be seen from Fig. 9(c) showing an assumed wearing state, and Fig. 9(a) showing an assumed unfolded state of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B, in these states, gaps are formed in the elastic sheet 30 between the edges of the connection holes 31 formed in the elastic sheet 30 and the connected parts 40, and air permeability is imparted by these gaps even when the material of the elastic sheet 30 is an unperforated film or an unperforated sheet. In addition, in the state of natural length, the connection holes 31 are narrowed due to the additional contraction of the elastic sheet 30, and a gap is almost not formed between the edges of the connection holes 31 and the connected parts 40.

[0050]

Desirably, the elongation at the elastic limit of the stretch zone 80 in the width direction WD is set to 190% or more (preferably 225-285%). The elongation at the elastic limit of the stretch zone 80 decreases due to a factor that prevents contraction in the width direction WD and depends on the degree of stretching of the elastic sheet 30 during manufacture. In the normal case, the length L of the connected parts 40 is correlated with the area fraction of the connected parts 40, and therefore the elongation at the elastic limit of the stretch zone 80 can be controlled by the area fraction of the connected parts 40.

[0051]

When the elastic sheet 30 has a portion (separating interval d described later) that is linearly continuous along the width direction WD, as in the example illustrated in FIG. the sum of orthogonally determined dimensions (equal to the separating interval d between the connection holes 31) of parts in which the elastic sheet 30 is linearly continuous along the width direction WD. On the other hand, when the elastic sheet 30 does not have a portion that is linearly continuous along the width direction WD as in the example illustrated in FIG. 25(b), the tensile stress can be controlled by the angle γ described later. In the normal case, it is preferable that the angle γ be set in the range of values greater than 0 degrees and being 45 degrees or less, in particular, in the range of 10 to 30 degrees.

[0052]

The area ratio of the connected parts 40 and the area of each of the connected parts 40 in the stretch zone 80 may be determined on a case-by-case basis. However, in the normal case, this area ratio and this area are preferably within the following ranges.

The area of each of the connected parts 40: 0.14-3.5 mm ² (in particular, 0.14-1.0 mm ² )

Area ratio of connected parts 40: 1.8-19.1% (in particular 1.8-10.6%)

[0053]

Thus, since the elongation at the elastic limit and the tensile stress of the stretch zone 80 can be adjusted by the area of the connected parts 40 as illustrated in FIG. fit changes depending on the location. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, there are stretch zones 82 of the edge parts surrounding the leg openings, and the stretch zones 82 of the edge parts correspond to resiliently stretch and contract zones in which the area ratio of the connected parts 40 is higher than in other zones, and therefore the tensile stress is small.

[0054]

The shape of each of the connected parts 40 and each of the connection holes 31 in the natural length state can be determined accordingly, and can be set to an arbitrary shape such as a perfect circle, an ellipse (see FIG. 20(d)), a polygon, such as triangle, rectangle (see Fig. 9 etc.) or rhombus (see Fig. 20(b)), convex lens shape (see Fig. 20(a)), concave lens shape (see 20(c)), a star shape or a cloud shape. The dimensions of each of the connected parts 40 are not particularly limited. However, the maximum length 40y (almost equal to the dimension 31y of the orthogonal connection holes 31) is preferably 0.5-3.0 mm, in particular 0.7-1.1 mm, and the maximum width 40x is preferably 0.1- 3.0 mm, in particular 0.1-1.1 mm in the case of a shape that is elongated in the XD direction orthogonal to the stretching direction.

[0055]

The connection holes 31 depend mainly on the shape of the connected parts 40 (41, 42 and 43) and the manufacturing stage or degree of stretching and contraction.

[0056]

In the following, examples of arrangements of connected parts suitable for the stretch zone will be described in order.

(Example 1 of the layout of the connected parts)

Fig. 9 is illustrated as a typical example in Patent Literature 1. That is, the group of connected parts 40 is staggered, the connected parts 40 have a linearly symmetrical shape (left-right symmetry in Fig. 9(a)) with respect to the center line passing through the center in the stretching direction, the shape being elongated in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction, the width 40x of the connected parts 40 in the stretching direction is preferably set to 0.2-0.4 mm, the spacing d1 between the connected parts 40 determined by in the stretching direction is set to 3-12.9 mm, more preferably 5-6.4 mm, and the interval d2 between the connected parts 40, defined in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction, is set to 2-10.5 mm, more preferably 2.3-4.6 mm.

[0057]

Thus, the connected parts 40, having a very small width 40x in the stretch direction, are staggered with a separating interval d1, which is somewhat wide in the stretch direction, the contraction force generated by the elastic sheet 30 acts directly on each of the connected parts. 40, and the pattern/spacing between the respective connected parts 40 is stably maintained at the positions of the connection holes 31 formed in the elastic sheet 30. As a result, the possibility of decreasing flexibility is reduced. In addition, the folds 25f run almost straight along a direction orthogonal to the stretching direction, and the joined portions 40 will be hidden between the folds 25f and the folds 25f and become invisible. Therefore, the elastic sheet stretch structure 20X has an appearance closer to that of a garment while suppressing the decrease in flexibility.

[0058]

On the other hand, when the shape of each of the connected parts 40 is a round shape, even though the arrangement of the connected parts 40 is staggered, the connected parts 40 will be clearly visible between the folds 25f and the folds 25f, which are thickened folds, and the folds 25f largely extend around the joined portions 40 and extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction of stretching. Thus, the wavy line shape folds 25f are generally formed, and the possibility of obtaining a garment-like appearance is reduced.

[0059]

For these reasons, it is desirable that the shape of each of the joined portions 40 be elongated in a direction orthogonal to the stretching direction. However, when the maximum length of the connected portions 40 in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction is too short or too long, there is concern that the straightness of the pleats 25f may decrease or the flexibility may decrease. Therefore, these dimensions can be determined accordingly. However, it is preferable that the length 40y of the connected parts 40 in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction is 0.4-3.2 mm, and in particular 0.7-1.4 mm.

[0060]

Meanwhile, in Patent Literature 2, in both examples of FIG. .10(b) small circular additional connected parts are located between the rectangular main connected parts. The example of FIG. 10(b) is based on the idea of a staggered arrangement.

[0061]

In addition, the layout and dimensions of the respective connected parts are preferably set in the size ranges (unit is mm) shown in Fig. 10 mainly for reasons of appearance, softness and breathability.

[0062]

(Example 2 layout of connected parts)

In the layout example 1 described above, the separating spacing between the connected parts of the elastic sheet 30 in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction, which is indicated by reference numeral C in FIG. 10(a), is set to a large value of 0.3 mm or more. , and therefore the tensile stress in the stretching direction is large. For example, in the case of being used for a pant-type disposable diaper, there are many wearers who feel that they experience an excessively strong pull (in the width direction).

[0063]

Meanwhile, Patent Literature 2 indicates that it is preferable that the length B of the connected parts illustrated in Fig. 10 is 0.3-0.7 mm and the separation interval H is 0.6-1.4 mm.

[0064]

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 11, when the separating interval d between the connected parts of the elastic sheet 30 defined in the orthogonal direction XD orthogonal to the stretch direction ED is set small, the stretch stress in the stretch direction can be reduced. Therefore, in the case of being used for a pant-type disposable diaper, the disposable diaper can be softly attached to the wearer with a slight pulling force.

[0065]

The reason for this is the following. When the connected parts increase in the width direction and "become" the connection holes 31 illustrated in FIG. connected parts orthogonal to the direction of stretching, even when they are stretched in the width direction. Thus, the tensile stress of the elastic sheet 30 "becomes" a contraction force without changes in the wearer's body contraction.

[0066]

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 has the advantage that the diaper can be softly attached to the body of the wearer and the breathability is very good, since the area ratio of the connected parts and the area ratio of the connection openings in the state of use corresponding to stretching are increased. width direction.

[0067]

(Example 3 of the layout of the connected parts)

The layout example 2 described above has the advantage that the diaper can fit snugly against the wearer's body. However, it may be desirable to apply a smaller pulling force.

[0068]

In addition, the product supplier generally assumes that the wearer is of an intermediate body type within a certain group of body shapes (waist girths) and determines the constriction force exerted by the diaper on the wearer's body.

[0069]

There are large individual variations in waist circumference, and there is a desire to obtain an article in which the constriction force exerted by the diaper on the wearer's body does not change as much as possible when used for a person having a large waist circumference, and for a person with a thin waist.

[0070]

Fig.25 illustrates one possible solution to this problem. More specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 25, in the stretching area, the connected parts 40 are formed at a distance from each other in the stretching direction ED and the orthogonal direction XD orthogonal thereto,

the group of connected parts 40, 40, ... in the stretching zone has a relationship in which they intersect a line passing in the stretching direction at each location in the orthogonal direction XD, as in Fig. 25(b), or a relationship in which they do not cross a line running in the stretching direction within a separating interval with a width of 0.5 mm or less defined in the XD direction orthogonal to the line running in the stretching direction as in FIG. 25(c), and

a group of connected parts has a positional relationship such that they do not intersect diagonal lines within a separating interval with a given width defined in the orthogonal direction XD from a group of diagonal lines q intersecting a line extending in the stretch direction at an angle γ that is within the range angles of 45 degrees or less (that is, groups of diagonal lines between the diagonal lines q and q in Fig. 25(b)).

[0071]

It is assumed that the reason why this example does not cause excessive pulling force acting on the wearer's body is due to the following phenomenon, even though the reason may not be clear.

[0072]

It is considered that stretching in the stretching direction may not occur when the group of connected parts has a positional relationship in which they cross a line passing in the stretching direction at each location in the orthogonal direction XD as in FIG. 25(b), or the positional relationship , at which they do not intersect the line passing in the stretching direction within the separating interval d with a width of 0.5 mm or less defined in the XD direction orthogonal to the line passing in the stretching direction, as in Fig. 25(c).

[0073]

However, the force acting in the stretching direction in case of dispersal in the stretching direction ED during wearing is transmitted while "bypassing" as in FIG. The transmission/distribution path S is illustrated as the elastic sheet 30 is stretched and contracted in an orthogonal direction other than the width direction. As a result, stretching in the stretching direction ED occurs at the time of forming the connection holes 31 and 31 on both sides of the connected portion 40 defined in the width direction.

[0074]

In most cases, when stretching the elastic sheet 30 during manufacture and then releasing the stretching force, the elastic sheet 30 does not return to its original length and returns to the length obtained by subtracting the strain. For example, when stretching an elastic sheet having a natural state length of 50 mm by 3.5 times to 175 mm and releasing the tensile force and contracting the elastic sheet to a length of 70 mm, there is a deformation of 20 mm, and the drawing ratio ε% is (70-50) × 100/50=40%.

[0075]

In carrying out a further study related to this circumstance, it was noted that stretching in the stretching direction occurs at the time of formation of the connection holes 31 and 31 on both sides of the joint part 40 defined in the width direction in a state in which the diaper is spread in the width direction. . That is, the elastic sheet is deformed by the flow sections of the connecting holes 31 and 31 on both sides of the connected portion 40 defined in the width direction. It should be understood that a part that has been deformed once creates a smaller pulling force.

[0076]

Thus, when the force causing the diaper to unfold is released, contraction in the width direction occurs while reducing the opening width (length of the opening section) of the connecting holes 31 and 31 under the contraction force generated by the elastic sheet. In this case, when the separating interval d is large, the elastic sheet is not deformed in the region of the separating interval d, and therefore the amount (length) of contraction in the width direction is large. For example, in the case of a thin person, contraction occurs until the connection holes 31 and 31 are closed. As a result, there is concern that the air permeability provided by the openings of the connection holes 31 and 31 may not be sufficiently secured.

[0077]

On the other hand, when the separating interval d is small or zero, the elastic sheet 30 is deformed due to the flow sections of the connection holes 31 and 31 (in the sense that the elastic sheet is damaged) in the entire area or almost the entire area extending in the orthogonal direction . As a result, when the tensile force acting in the width direction is released, the opening width (opening length) of the connection holes 31 and 31 once opened will be small, and their ratio will be small. Therefore, the degree to which the air permeability provided by the openings of the connection holes 31 and 31 is not unduly reduced.

[0078]

In addition, the pulling force acting in the width direction is smaller than the pulling force in the case where the separation interval d is large, and therefore the wearer's body is not squeezed excessively.

[0079]

It should be noted that, for example, in order to achieve stretching and contraction in the width direction on the transmission/propagation path S illustrated in FIG. lines within a predetermined dividing interval H in the orthogonal direction XD from a group of diagonal lines bounded in the orthogonal direction by diagonal lines q and q intersecting a line extending in the stretching direction at an angle γ that is within an angle range of 45 degrees or less.

[0080]

In this case, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the angle γ, which is 45 degrees or less with respect to the line extending in the stretch direction ED, is defined as the divergence angle between the line extending in the stretch direction and the diagonal line q even in case of a diagonal line running from the top left to the bottom right.

[0081]

The width of the separation interval H, defined along the orthogonal direction XD, is 0.2-10 mm, more desirably 0.2-5.0 mm, and particularly desirably 0.6-3.0 mm.

[0082]

The divergence angle γ between the stretching direction line and the diagonal line is more preferably 30 degrees or less, and 15 degrees or less is particularly desirable.

[0083]

The connected parts 40 are formed with a width in the stretching direction of 0.3-10.0 mm, preferably 0.5-5.0 mm, and particularly preferably 0.7-3.5 mm.

[0084]

The connected parts 40 are formed with a length L in the orthogonal direction XD in the range of 0.3-7.0 mm, preferably 0.5-5.0 mm, and particularly preferably 0.7-2.5 mm.

[0085]

In addition, the row of first connected parts 40, 40, ... is formed with a formation pitch S0 defined in the stretching direction ED (WD) and in the range of 2.0-20.0 mm, preferably 3.0-15.0 mm and especially preferably 4.0-10.0 mm.

[0086]

Hereinafter, various modifications based on the above layout example 3 will be described in order.

(Example 4 layout of connected parts)

In the embodiment of the product having the shape illustrated in FIG. 12(a), a fold 25F extending along the orthogonal direction XD is formed in a separating zone between a series of connected parts 40, 40, ... extending along the orthogonal direction XD and a series of adjacent connected parts 40, 40, ... located at a distance from this row in the direction of stretching ED. As illustrated in FIG. 12(b), the folds 25F simply have a uniform mountain shape. That is, this shape is different from the cross-sectional shape shown in Patent Literature 1 and illustrated herein in FIG. 9(c).

[0087]

The example illustrated in FIG. 12 has an elastic sheet stretch structure in which the elastic sheet is placed between the first sheet layer having air permeability and the second sheet layer having air permeability, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded through connection holes, passing through the elastic sheet, or through the elastic sheet located between them, in a plurality of connected parts located at intervals.

[0088]

In addition, the stretch zone having a stretch structure with an elastic sheet can be stretched and pulled in the direction of stretching under the action of the contraction force generated by the elastic sheet,

[0089]

The connected parts have second connected parts 41, 41, ... in addition to the first connected parts 40, 40, ....

[0090]

The first connected parts 40, 40, ... are spaced along the orthogonal direction XD, and the first row of connected parts is formed.

[0091]

As will be described later with reference to FIG. 19, for example, the row of first connected parts 40, 40, ... does not extend along the orthogonal direction XD and has a slope such that the angle θ at which the row intersects the stretch direction ED is in the range of 30 degrees to 150 degrees (hence 90 degrees not included), and more desirably has an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees (90 degrees not included).

[0092]

In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the angle θ at which there is no slope and an intersection occurs is 90 degrees.

[0093]

The first connected parts 40 are formed with a length L defined in the orthogonal direction LD and in the range of 0.3-7.0 mm, preferably 0.5-5.0 mm and particularly preferably 0.7-2.5 mm.

[0094]

In addition, the row of first connected parts 40, 40, ... is formed with a formation pitch S0 defined in the stretching direction ED (WD) and in the range of 2.0-20.0 mm, preferably 3.0-15.0 mm and especially preferably 4.0-10.0 mm.

[0095]

In addition, in order to specify a distance defined in the orthogonal direction XD and defined by the positional relationship of adjacent first connected parts 40 and 40 in a number of first connected parts 40, 40, ..., the percentage ratio R (separating distance d between adjacent first connected parts) / (distance P from the point of the connected parts to the point which corresponds to the adjacent first connected part) is desirably set to 5-60%, preferably 10-45%, and in particular 20-35%.

[0096]

When this percentage is excessively large, when applied to the article, the tensile stress in the width direction (stretch direction) will be large, and it will be difficult to secure a proper fit of the wearing article.

[0097]

In addition, when this percentage is excessively small, it will not be possible to exclude the possibility that the first connected parts 40 and 40 adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction XD may become mutually continuous during the manufacturing process. More importantly, the support and heating arm that form the connected parts may be subjected to undue stress in the equipment, which may prevent stable operation.

[0098]

Preferably, a joint having a length L of the first joint portions 40 or longer is not formed in a number of second joint portions 41 and 41.

[0099]

In this example, as a rule, the following advantages or features are noted.

(1) Since the aforementioned R percentage is small, the elastic sheet member has a low tensile stress in the stretch direction and has a flexible elongation, and when this elastic sheet member is used for an absorbent article, the wearing feeling becomes very good.

In addition, since the passage area ratio becomes high, the air permeability becomes high.

[0100]

(2) Since not only the row of first connected parts 40, 40, ... is formed, but also the row of second connected parts 41, 41, ..., an inter-row fold R can be formed between the row of first connected parts 40, 40, ... and the row of second connected parts 40, 40, ... parts 41, 41, .... In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, for reasons related to the design of the entire stretchable area of the article, the folds 25F long in the orthogonal direction XD are uniformly repeated in the stretching direction ED (WD). On the other hand, in this example, the ability to form a pattern can be improved by forming an inter-row fold R.

[0101]

(3) The second connected parts 41 have a smaller area than the first connected parts 40 and therefore have a pattern-like appearance.

[0102]

(4) The fact that an inter-row pleat R can be formed between a row of first connected parts 40, 40, ... and a number of second connected parts 41, 41, ... means that two inter-row pleats can be formed between a number of first connected parts 40, 40, ... and next to the first connected parts 40, 40, .... However, in a number of second connected parts 41, 41, ..., the interval between the second connected parts 41 and 41 is long, and therefore, this circumstance means that folds can be formed without excessive load applied to the support and the heating arm in the equipment. As a result, compared with the case in which inter-row folds are formed only by a series of first connected parts 40, 40, ... as in Fig. 11, a plurality of folds with a small width per unit area can be formed without applying a load to the equipment. Thus, the area of contact with the wearer's skin is reduced, and comfort and softness can be improved.

[0103]

(Example 5 of the layout of the connected parts)

As illustrated in FIG. 13, a group of second connected parts 41, 41, ... may be located between the first connected parts 40 and 40 in the orthogonal direction XD. In this case, even when the length L of the first connected part 40 is small, the tensile stress can be reduced since the second connected parts 41 are provided.

[0104]

(Example 6 of the layout of the connected parts)

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the second connected parts 41 may not be adjacent to the first connected parts 40 on a 1:1 ratio basis. For example, you can choose a variant in which one second connected part 41 is located next to the first two connected parts 40 and 40.

[0105]

(Example 7 of the layout of the connected parts)

As illustrated in FIG. 15, a series of third connected parts 42, 42, ... having a long separation interval in the orthogonal direction XD may be formed between a series of first connected parts 40, 40, ... and a number of second connected parts 41, 41, .... By forming the third connected part 42, it is possible to form a large fold bf obtained by dividing the inter-row fold R illustrated in the first embodiment in the orthogonal direction XD. A small fold sf may be formed between the third connected part 42 and a number of first connected parts 40, 40, .... The group of folds formed by separating the inter-row folds R provides a reduction in the bending stiffness of the stretch member (easily bendable) and provides a very good ability to follow the movement of the body.

[0106]

(Example 8 of the layout of the connected parts)

As illustrated in FIG. 16, by obliquely "arranging" the locations of the third connected parts 42 together with the second connected parts 41, the large pleat group bf can be formed as an oblique ordered assembly, and the patterning ability is enhanced.

[0107]

(Example 9 of the layout of the connected parts)

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the fourth connected part 43 may be positioned to be included in the row of first connected parts 40, 40, .... In this case, the group of fourth connected parts 43, 43, ... extends along the stretching direction ED and can be arranged obliquely as illustrated in the figure. In this case, the area of the fourth connected part 43 is preferably 5% or more and 50% or less of the area of the first connected part 40.

[0108]

(Example 10 of the layout of the connected parts)

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the first connected portion 40 may be inclined. The second connected part 42 may be inclined. Since the length of the connected part is determined in the orthogonal direction XD, as illustrated in Fig. 18, the length L of the first connected part 40 is the length of the connected part corresponding to the length in the orthogonal direction XD from the center of one side to the center part of the other side. As for the separation interval, the distance in the orthogonal direction XD between the center of a side and the center of the opposite side is the separation distance d.

[0109]

(Example 11 of the layout of the connected parts)

19 illustrates an example in which both the first connected parts 40 and the second connected parts 42 are sloped, and each of the row of first connected parts 40 and the row of second connected parts 42 does not extend along the orthogonal direction XD and has a slope at an intersection angle θ with respect to the stretching direction ED in the range of 30 degrees to 150 degrees, preferably 45 degrees to 135 degrees. The intersection angle θ is particularly preferably 60 degrees to 120 degrees. However, the angle of 90 degrees is, of course, not included in these tilt angle ranges.

[0110]

The advantage of this row of connected parts, which does not extend in the orthogonal direction XD and has such a slope that it intersects the stretching direction ED, becomes apparent when compared with the eighth embodiment illustrated in FIG. That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 19, the reason for having the advantage is that, for example, the separation interval between the first connected parts 40 and 40, defined along the line extending in the orthogonal direction XD, is much larger than in the eighth embodiment. , illustrated in Fig.18.

[0111]

That is, for example, it is desirable that the connection of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B in the connected portions 40 be performed by a material welding bonding means such as heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

[0112]

In the case of continuous production, melting to form a seam by means of ultrasonic waves is performed between the anvil roll and the sonotrode. However, to prevent energy loss, it is important that the sonotrode is in close contact with the sheet throughout the entire length of the support roll in the axial direction. For this reason, it is necessary to generate a large ultrasonic wave in case of forming a pattern with a large proportion of the convex parts of the support roll to form a series of connected parts 40, 40, ... in Fig. 12 along the generatrix, which creates a linear contact. To this end, when an excessive closing force is applied along the generatrix that creates a linear contact, the load on the equipment is large.

[0113]

On the other hand, in the case of this example (essentially in the case of an oblique arrangement), the proportion of connected parts located on a line extending in the orthogonal direction XD is small, and a stable line pressure is ensured. Thus, the load on the equipment becomes light and the operation can be performed in a stable manner. In addition, in this example, the first connected parts 40 (and the second connected parts 42) are slanted, and therefore there is an advantage of being able to form folds, providing a very good patternability.

[0114]

(Non-stretch zone)

In a zone of the outer member 20 having a 20X stretchable structure with an elastic sheet as illustrated in FIG. 7, a non-stretch zone 70 may be provided in addition to the stretch zone 80. The non-stretch zone 70 means that the elongation at the limit of elasticity in the stretch direction is 120% or less. The elongation at the elastic limit of the non-stretch zone 70 is preferably 110% or less, and more preferably 100%. The location of the stretchable zone 80 and the non-stretchable zone 70 can be determined accordingly. In the case of the outer member 20 of the underpants-type disposable diaper as in the illustrated example, the portion overlapping the absorbent 13 is an area in which stretching and contraction is not required. Thus, it is preferable that the portion of the portion overlapping the absorbent component 13, or the entire portion overlapping the absorbent component 13 (preferably including substantially the entire bonding zone 10B of the inner and outer members) be (a) formed as a non-stretch zone 70 as in the illustrated example. Needless to say, the non-stretch zone 70 may be provided from the zone overlapping the absorbent component 13 to the zone not overlapping the absorbent component 13, located in the width direction WD or in the front-to-back direction LD, or the non-stretch zone 70 may be provided only in the zone that does not overlap the absorbent component 13.

[0115]

The shape and pattern of the individual connected parts 40 in the non-stretch zone 70 and the shape and pattern of the connection holes 31 in the elastic sheet 30 can be determined accordingly.

[0116]

In addition, the area ratio of the connected parts 40 and the area of the individual connected parts 40 in the non-stretch zone can be determined accordingly. In the normal case, the following ranges are preferred because the area of each of the connected parts 40 is small and the area ratio of the connected parts 40 is low so that the non-stretch zone 70 does not become hard.

[0117]

The area of each of the connected parts 40: 0.10-0.75 mm ² (in particular, 0.10-0.35 mm ² )

Area ratio of connected parts 40: 4-13% (in particular 5-10%)

[0118]

The non-stretch zone 70 may be formed by tightly arranging the joined portions 40 such that the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, which are contracted under the contraction force generated by the elastic sheet 30, will not wrinkle. Specific examples of the method for forming the non-stretch zone 70 include those shown in JP 5980355 B2, JP 5918877 B1, JP 5980367 B1 and JP 6049228 B1.

[0119]

In particular, the non-stretch area 70 is preferably an area having no part linearly continuous along the width direction WD due to the connection holes 31, even though the elastic sheet 30 is continuous in the width direction WD. In this case, even in a state in which the elastic sheet 30 is stretched in the width direction WD, the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are connected by connection holes 31 formed in the elastic sheet 30 at intervals in the width direction WD and the forward direction LD. back, orthogonal to it, and a plurality of connected parts 40 are formed, whereby the entire elastic sheet stretch structure 20X is formed, including both the stretch zone 80 and the non-stretch zone 70, the elastic sheet 30 is not linearly continuous along the width direction WD in the non-stretch zone 70. Thus, the contraction force generated by the elastic sheet 30 hardly affects the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B, the elasticity is lost, and the elongation at the elastic limit is close to 100%.

[0120]

In such a non-stretch zone 70, the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are connected in a plurality of connected parts 40 arranged at intervals, and the connected parts 40 are not continuous. Thus, a decrease in flexibility is prevented.

[0121]

(Connection structure in connected parts)

In the case where the connection of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B in the connected parts 40 is made by the connection holes 31 formed in the elastic sheet 30, it is desirable that the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are not attached to the elastic sheet 30 except for at least the zones between the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B in the joined portions 40.

[0122]

There are no particular restrictions on the bonding means for connecting the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B in the connected parts 40. bonding means in the form of material welding, such as heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

[0123]

In the case where the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are connected by the connection holes 31 formed in the elastic sheet 30 in the connected parts 40, as the structure in which the connected parts 40 are formed by welding materials, any one of the first a welded joint structure in which the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are connected only by the molten and solidified material 20m in most or part of at least one of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B in the joined portions 40 (see FIG. .21(a)), the second welded joint structure, in which the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are connected only by the molten and solidified material 30m in the entire elastic sheet 30, most or part of the elastic sheet 30 in the connected parts 40 (see 21(b)), and a third weld pattern in which both of these weld patterns are combined. connections (see Fig.21(c)). However, the second and third weld patterns are preferred.

[0124]

A particularly preferred structure is one in which the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are connected by a melted and solidified material 20m in a portion of the first sheet layer 20A and a second sheet layer 20B and a melted and solidified material 30m in the entire elastic sheet 30 or most of the elastic of the sheet 30 in the connected portions 40. It should be noted that in the third weld structure illustrated in FIG. 23(b), the melted and solidified material 30m of the elastic sheet 30 shown in white is visible between the melted and solidified materials 20m of fibers of the first sheet layer. 20A or the second sheet layer 20B shown in black. On the other hand, in the first weld structure illustrated in FIG. 23(a), the molten and solidified material of the elastic sheet 30 is not visible between the molten and solidified fiber materials 20m of the first sheet layer 20A or the second sheet layer 20B.

[0125]

In the case of joining the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B by using the molten and solidified material 20m in most or part of at least one of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B as an adhesive, as in the first adhesive structure or the third structure with an adhesive, it is preferable that part of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B is not melted so that the connected parts 40 are not solid.

[0126]

It should be noted that in the case where the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are non-woven fabrics, the structures in which part of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are not melted include a structure in which the core/core (including not only the core of the multicomponent fiber, but also the central part of the single-component fiber) is preserved and the peripheral part (including not only the shell of the multi-component fiber, but also the part of the single-component fiber on the side of its surface layer) is melted at all fibers of the connected parts 40, or the structure, in in which some fibers do not melt at all and the rest of the fibers melt, or the core is preserved and the peripheral part of the fibers melts.

[0127]

When the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are bonded by using the melted and solidified material 30m of the elastic sheet 30 as an adhesive, as in the second weld pattern and the third weld pattern, the peel resistance becomes high. The second structure of the welded joint can be obtained during manufacture by placing the elastic sheet 30 between the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B, squeezing/heating the places corresponding to the connected parts 40, and melting only the elastic sheet 30, provided that the melting temperature is at least of one of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B above the melting temperature of the elastic sheet 30 and the heating temperature during the formation of the joined parts 40.

[0128]

On the other hand, the third structure of the welded joint can be obtained during manufacture by placing the elastic sheet 30 between the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B, squeezing/heating the places corresponding to the connected parts 40, and melting at least one of the first sheet layer 20A and a second sheet layer 20B and an elastic sheet 30, provided that the melting point of at least one of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B is higher than the melting point of the elastic sheet 30.

[0129]

For these reasons, the elastic sheet 30 preferably has a melting point of about 80-145°C, the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B preferably have a melting point of about 85-190°C, in particular, about 150-190°C. , and the difference between the melting point of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B and the melting point of the elastic sheet 30 is preferably about 60-90°C. In addition, the heating temperature is preferably set to about 100-150°C.

[0130]

In the second welded joint structure and the third welded joint structure, in the case where the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are non-woven materials, the melted and solidified material 30m of the elastic sheet 30 can penetrate between the fibers throughout the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20A. layer 20B in the thickness direction in the connected portions 40, as illustrated in FIG. 22(c). However, the flexibility of the connected portions 40 becomes high in a structure in which the material penetrates between the fibers up to the middle in the thickness direction, as illustrated in FIG. sheet layer 20B as illustrated in FIG. 22(b).

[0131]

24 illustrates an example of an ultrasonic welding apparatus suitable for forming a second weld pattern and a third weld pattern. In this ultrasonic sealing device, during the formation of the connected parts 40, the first sheet layer 20A, the elastic sheet 30, and the second sheet layer 20B are fed between an anvil roll 60 having projections 60a formed with the configuration of the connected parts 40 on the outer surface, and the sonotrode 61. In this case, for example, by setting the travel speed of the elastic sheet 30 fed by the feed drive roller 63 and the pressure roller 62 to be slower on the input side than the travel speed on the output side of the anvil roller 60 and the sonotrode 61, the elastic sheet 30 is stretched to a predetermined the degree of stretch in the MD direction (machine direction, feed direction) on the way from the clamping point by the feed drive roller 63 and the pressure roller 62 to the welding point by the anvil roller 60 and the sonotrode 61. The degree of stretching of the elastic sheet 30 can be set by selecting roller 60 and feed drive face 63 and can be set equal to, for example, approximately 300% - 500%. Reference numeral 62 denotes a pressure roller.

[0132]

The first sheet layer 20A, the elastic sheet 30, and the second sheet layer 20B supplied between the anvil roll 60 and the sonotrode 61 are heated by ultrasonic vibration energy generated by the sonotrode 61 while being squeezed between the projections 60a and the sonotrode 61 in the state when they are applied on top of each other in this order, and only the elastic sheet 30 or at least one of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B and the elastic sheet 30 are melted, whereby the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B are connected by the holes 31 for connection simultaneously with the formation of openings 31 for connection in the elastic sheet 30. Therefore, in this case, the area ratio of the connected parts 40 can be selected by choosing the size, shape, separating interval and arrangement of the protruding parts 60a of the support roller 60 in the direction of the length of the roller and direction along the circumference of the roller.

[0133]

Even though the reason why the connection holes 31 are formed may not be clear, it is believed that the holes are formed when the portions of the elastic sheet 30 corresponding to the projections 60a of the backup roll 60 melt and separate from the portions surrounding them. In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 9(a) and 11(a), the part located between adjacent connection holes 31 located in the stretch direction ED in the elastic sheet 30 is “cut off” from the parts located in the stretching direction, both sides of the connection holes 31, and loses support on both sides in the stretching direction. Thus, in a zone in which continuity can be maintained in a direction orthogonal to the contraction direction, the side corresponding to the center in the direction LD, orthogonal to the stretch direction ED, is contracted until that side of the center is "in equilibrium" with the side center in the stretching direction, and the connection holes 31 widen in the stretching direction ED.

[0134]

Any sheet-like material can be used as the material forming the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B without particular limitation. However, for reasons of breathability and flexibility, it is preferable to use a non-woven fabric. There are no particular restrictions on the fiber forming the base material for the nonwoven fabric. Examples of fibers forming the starting material may include synthetic fibers such as polyolefin-based fibers such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyester-based fibers and polyamide-based fibers, regenerated fibers such as rayon and copper ammonium, natural fibers such as cotton, blended fibers and bicomponent fibers using two or more of these materials, and the like. In addition, the nonwoven fabric can be made by any manufacturing method.

[0135]

As the means for bonding the fibers in the nonwoven fabric, any of chemical means such as an adhesive or solvent, physical means such as heat, or so-called entanglement can be selected. For example, a hydroentangling method, a spunbonding method, a thermal bonding method, a melt blown method, a needling method, an air-through bonding method, a spot bonding method, and so on can be selected. When a nonwoven fabric is used, its basis weight is preferably set to about 10-25 g/m ² . In addition, part of the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B or the entire first sheet layer 20A and the entire second sheet layer 20B may be a pair of layers in which one material is folded so that the layers of it face each other. For example, in the waist end portions 23, as in the illustrated example, forming the material placed on the outside may be taken as the second sheet layer 20B, the folded portion 20C folded toward the inner surface side at the edge of the waist opening may be taken as the first sheet layer 20A, and the elastic sheet 30 may be placed therebetween. In other parts, the forming material placed on the inside can be taken as the first sheet layer 20A, the forming material placed on the outside can be taken as the second sheet layer 20B, and the elastic sheet 30 can be placed between them. Needless to say, the material constituting the first sheet layer 20A and the material constituting the second sheet layer 20B may be provided separately throughout the front-to-back direction LD, and the elastic sheet 30 may be placed between the material constituting the first sheet layer. 20A and the material forming the second sheet layer 20B without folding the forming materials.

[0136]

There are no particular restrictions on the elastic sheet 30, and it may be a stretchable nonwoven fabric other than an elastic film, as long as the sheet is formed from a thermoplastic resin that is elastically stretchable and contractable. In addition, as the elastic sheet 30, not only a non-perforated sheet, but also a sheet provided with a plurality of openings or ventilation slots can be used. In particular, it is preferable that the elastic sheet 30 has a tensile strength in the width direction WD (stretch direction ED and MD) of 8-25 N/35 mm, a tensile strength in the front-to-back direction LD (XD direction orthogonal to the direction direction CD) of 5-20 N/35 mm, a tensile elongation in the width direction WD of 450-1050%, and an elongation in the front-to-back direction LD of 450-1400%. There are no particular restrictions on the thickness of the elastic sheet 30, and it is preferably about 20-40 µm. In addition, an elastic nonwoven may be provided on one side or both sides of an elastic film that may be placed as an elastic sheet 30 between the first sheet layer 20A and the second sheet layer 20B.

[0137]

(Pattern)

As illustrated in FIG. 26(a), the part of the elastic sheet 30 located in the stretch zone 80 is printed with the first pattern 51 including pattern elements 51a, and the part of the elastic sheet 30 located in the non-stretch zone 70 is printed with the second pattern. 52 including pattern elements 52a. The first pattern 51 and the second pattern 52 are the same when the stretchable zone 80 and the non-stretchable zone 70 are in a state corresponding to the elastic limit elongation. In addition, it goes without saying that the first pattern 51 and the second pattern 52 are visible from the outside of the outer member 20.

[0138]

In order to create the first pattern 51 and the second pattern 52 on the elastic sheet 30, an elastic sheet 30 can be used in manufacture, on which the first pattern 51 is pre-printed on the part that corresponds to the stretch zone 80, and the second pattern 52 is pre-printed on the part that corresponds to the non-stretch zone. 70. In addition, before stretching the elastic sheet 30 (on the upstream side of the feed drive roll 63 and pressure roll 62 in the manufacturing method of FIG. 24), the first pattern 51 may be printed on the production line on the part of the elastic sheet 30 that corresponds to the stretch zone 80 , and the second pattern 52 may be printed on the portion corresponding to the non-stretch area 70. There are no particular restrictions on the printing method, and the printing method may be letterpress printing, gravure printing, offset printing, inkjet printing, and so on. In order to improve the printability of the elastic sheet 30, it is desirable to perform a corona treatment on the surface to be printed.

[0139]

The first pattern 51 may be provided not only on the portion of the elastic sheet 30 located in the stretch zone 80, but also on the entire portion of the elastic sheet 30 located in the stretch zone 80. The second pattern 52 may be provided not only on the portion of the elastic sheet part 30 located in the non-stretch zone 70, but also on the entire part of the elastic sheet 30 located in the non-stretch zone 70.

[0140]

There are no particular restrictions on the first pattern 51 and the second pattern 52, and they may be, for example, a pattern for decoration (in addition to a polka dot pattern, a flower pattern, etc., a picture and a single-point mark are included), a function indicator, for example , in terms of method of use, assistance in use, or size, an indication of a marking, such as a manufacturer's name, a product name, or a distinguishing feature, or a combination of a plurality of these types. The pattern elements 51a, 52a, and 53a, including the third pattern 53 described below, are elements forming a part that can be distinguished from other parts in the patterns 51, 52, and 53, and are not particularly limited. For example, pattern elements can be various geometric shapes (for example, a circle in a polka dot pattern), hieroglyphic elements (an image that displays the shape of an object through abstraction (for example, a single flower-shaped figure in a floral pattern)), a picture (for example , an image of a single flower in a floral pattern), a letter, or a combination of many of these types. Pattern elements 51a, 52a and 53a may be spaced or may be arranged so that they are in contact with other pattern elements.

[0141]

As a feature, as illustrated in FIG. 26, when comparing (a) the extended state (the state of stretching in the width direction to elongation at the elastic limit), (b) the state of natural length, and (c) the state when worn (the degree of stretching in in the width direction is in the range of 130-170%), the size 51x of the pattern elements 51a constituting the first pattern 51, determined in the stretch direction, with the stretch ratio of the stretch zone 80 being 130% or more (the upper limit is inevitably the elongation at the elastic limit), is set to 80% or more, in particular 90%, of the stretching direction dimension 51x of the first pattern 51 when the stretching area 80 is in the elastic limit elongation state. This can be achieved by reducing to some extent the difference between the degree of stretch in the state when worn and the relative elongation at the limit of elasticity. For this, the aforementioned layout examples 3 to 11 are particularly suitable.

[0142]

It should be noted that, as described above, "the same" with respect to the first pattern 51 and the second pattern 52 means that the pattern elements 51a and 52a have the same dimensions, shapes, orientations, layouts, and so on. However, it is natural that the areas of the patterns 51 and 52, the number of pattern elements 51a and 52a that varies with area, the way in which the pattern elements 51a and 52a are discontinuous or absent may differ.

[0143]

In this disposable wear article, the first pattern 51 and the second pattern 52 are the same when the stretchable zone 80 and the non-stretchable zone 70 are in a state corresponding to elongation at the elastic limit. This description simply means that a uniform printed pattern is applied to the part corresponding to the stretchable zone 80 and the part corresponding to the non-stretchable zone 70 in the elastic sheet 30. In addition, in this disposable wear article, the stretch direction size 51x of the pattern elements 51a, constituting the first pattern 51, when the degree of stretching of the stretching area 80 is 130% or more, that is, in the normal state when worn, is 80% or more, in particular, 90% or more of the size 51x of the pattern elements 51a determined in the stretching direction. , representing the first pattern 51, when the stretch zone 80 is in the state corresponding to the relative elongation at the elastic limit. For this reason, there is little difference in appearance between the patterns 51 and 52 in the stretch area 80 and the non-stretch area 70 during wear. For example, when the first pattern 51 and the second pattern 52 are printed on the elastic sheet 30 to ensure the normal state in which the first pattern 51 and the second pattern 52 do not deform under the elastic limit elongation, a particularly favorable appearance during wearing is obtained.

[0144]

In most cases, the disposable wear article does not often have a stretchable structure as a whole. This description similarly applies to the case of selecting a 20X stretch structure with an elastic sheet. Specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, etc., the elastic sheet stretch structure 20X is not provided in the middle of the intermediate portion L of the outer member 20 defined in the front-to-back direction LD. In such a case, in order to add a pattern in a wider area, as in the example illustrated in Figs. 27 and 28, it is preferable to perform a third pattern 53 including pattern elements 53a and 53b on a non-stretch sheet 19 other than the elastic sheet 30 and extending from the non-stretch zone 70 to the zone having no stretch structure 20X with an elastic sheet. There are no particular restrictions on the non-stretch sheet 19 as long as the third pattern 53 printed on it is visible from the outer surface side. In the pant-type disposable diaper of the illustrated example, the non-stretch sheet 19 may be a sheet (e.g., liquid-impermeable sheet 12, as in the illustrated example) located closer to the outside of the inner member 10, and it is desirable that the third pattern 53 be printed on its outer surface.

[0145]

In the case of the third pattern 53 to improve the integrity of the pattern, the third pattern 53 preferably includes pattern elements that are the same as those of the pattern constituting the first pattern 51 when the stretch zone 80 and the non-stretch zone 70 are in a state corresponding to elongation at limit of elasticity. Thus, in the wearing state, the difference in appearance between the first pattern 51 and the third pattern 53 is reduced. are the same, and colors and directions may vary.

[0146]

Provided that the third pattern 53 includes pattern elements 53a that are the same as the pattern elements 51a of the first pattern 51 described above, the third pattern 53 may include only the same pattern elements 53a, or may include pattern elements 53b, with one or both patterns being different from the other pattern.

[0147]

In the case of performing the second pattern 52 and the third pattern 53 described above in the non-stretch zone 70, there is concern that the pattern elements 52a of the second pattern 52 of the elastic sheet 30 and the pattern elements 53a and 53b of the third pattern 53 of the non-stretch sheet 19 may overlap each other, resulting in an "overloaded" appearance. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 28, it is proposed that the third pattern 53 be obtained by arranging the pattern elements 53a and 53b at intervals, with the minimum amount of the stretching direction-determined interval 53d between the pattern elements 53a and 53b adjacent to each other in stretching direction in the third pattern 53 is set larger (for example, about 1.5-7 times, in particular, about 2-5 times) than the minimum value of the size 52x determined in the stretching direction of the pattern elements 52a, which is the second pattern 52 , and the minimum value of the orthogonal XD direction defined spacing 53e between the pattern elements 53a and 53b adjacent to each other in the orthogonal XD direction orthogonal to the stretch direction in the third pattern 53 is set to be larger (for example, about 1.5 to 7 times, in particular about 2-5 times) than the minimum value of the XD determined in the orthogonal direction size 52y of the pattern elements 52a constituting the second pattern 52. Thus, when the intervals 53d and 53e between the elements 53a and 53b of the pattern constituting the third pattern 53 are large enough with respect to the sizes 52x and 52y of the pattern elements 52a constituting the second pattern 52, the pattern elements 52a, 53a, and 53b rarely overlap each other, and the "congested" appearance can be reduced compared to the opposite case. In the illustrated example, the intervals 53d and 53e between the elements 53a and 53b of the pattern constituting the third pattern 53 are set to be larger than the dimensions 52x and 52y of the elements 52a of the pattern constituting the second pattern 52. Conversely, however, the intervals 52d and 52e between the elements 52a of the pattern , representing the second pattern 52, can be set larger than the dimensions 53x and 53y of the elements 53a and 53b of the pattern representing the third pattern 52.

[0148]

The sizes of the pattern elements 51a, 52a, 53a and 53b and the spacing therebetween may be specified on a case-by-case basis, and one example is given below. It should be noted that the following dimensions mean the dimensions in the case where the stretchable area 80 and the non-stretchable area 70 are in the state corresponding to the relative elongation at the limit of elasticity (expanded state).

(First pattern - second pattern)

dimensions 51x and 52x of pattern elements determined in the stretching direction: 5-25 mm, in particular 10-20 mm

orthogonal dimensions 51y and 52y of pattern elements: 5-25 mm, in particular 10-20 mm

intervals 51d and 52d defined in the stretching direction between pattern elements: 0-100 mm, in particular 20-50 mm

orthogonally defined spacings 51e and 52e between pattern elements: 0-100 mm, in particular 20-50 mm

(Third pattern)

dimension 53x of the motif determined in the stretching direction: 5-25 mm, in particular 10-20 mm

orthogonal dimension 53y of pattern element: 5-25 mm, in particular 10-20 mm

spacing 53d defined in the stretching direction between pattern elements: 0-150 mm, in particular 50-100 mm

orthogonally defined spacing 53e between pattern elements: 0-150 mm, in particular 50-100 mm

[0149]

<Description of terms used in this document>

The following terms in the description have the following meanings, unless otherwise indicated in the description.

[0150]

- "Front body" and "rear body" mean respectively a front side part and a back side part, with the center of the underpants-type disposable diaper defined in the front-to-back direction serving as a boundary. In addition, the crotch portion means a front-to-back area including the center of the underpants-type disposable diaper defined in the front-to-back direction, and when the absorbent has a tapering portion, the crotch portion means a front-to-back area of a part, having a tapered part.

[0151]

- "Forward-backward direction" means a direction (longitudinal direction) indicated by the reference numeral LD in the figure, "width direction" means a direction (right-left direction) indicated by WD in the figure, and the front-back direction and the width direction are orthogonal to each other. friend.

[0152]

- "Elongation at elastic limit" means the elongation in the stretching direction ED corresponding to the elastic limit (in other words, the state in which the first sheet ply and the second sheet ply are fully expanded), and expresses the length at the elastic limit as a percentage when the length in the natural state is 100%.

[0153]

- "Area Fraction" means the ratio of the area of a given part to a given area, reflects the total area of the given parts (for example, connected parts 40, flow sections of holes 31 for connection and holes for ventilation) in a given zone (for example, in a stretchable zone 80 and a non-stretchable zone 70) and is expressed as a percentage by dividing this total area by the area of the given zone. In particular, "area ratio" in a zone having a stretchable structure means an area ratio in a state of stretching up to the elastic limit in the stretching direction ED. When a plurality of predetermined portions are provided at intervals, it is desirable to obtain an area ratio by setting a predetermined area having a size such that the predetermined area includes 10 or more predetermined portions.

[0154]

- "Stretch ratio" means the value in the case where the length in the natural state is taken to be 100%. For example, a stretch ratio of 200% is equivalent to a 2-fold increase in length when stretched.

[0155]

- "Surface density" is determined as follows. After pre-drying, the specimen or test specimen is allowed to stand in the testing laboratory or apparatus under normal conditions (temperature at the test site is 23 ± 1°C, relative humidity is 50 ± 2%) until its mass becomes constant. Pre-drying is intended to bring the mass of the sample or test sample to constant mass in an environment with a temperature of 100°C. It should be noted that fibers having a standard moisture content of 0.0% as a percentage of the weight of absolutely dry material do not require pre-drying. From a test piece having a constant mass, a 100 mm×100 mm sample is cut using a sample cutting template (100 mm×100 mm). The sample is weighed and the mass of the sample is multiplied by 100 to calculate the mass per square meter. The resulting value is defined as surface density.

[0156]

The "thickness" of the absorbent is measured using a thickness gauge from OZAKI MFG. CO., LTD. (PEACOCK, digital type, model FFD-7 (measurement range - 0-20 mm)) by placing the sample and the thickness gauge in a horizontal position.

[0157]

- A "thickness" other than the above thickness is measured automatically under a load of 0.098 N/cm2 and a pressure application area ^{of 2} cm2 using an automatic thickness gauge (thickness gauge) (KES-G5 Handy Compression Measurement Program) .

[0158]

- "Tensile strength" and "tensile elongation (elongation at break)" mean the values measured by setting the initial clamp spacing (distance between marked lines) to 50 mm and setting the stretching speed to 300 mm/min in accordance with JIS K7127:1999 “Plastics - Test method for tensile properties” ( JIS - Japanese Industrial Standard ) except that the test piece is rectangular with a width of 35mm and a length of 80 mm. As the tensile testing machine, for example, AUTOGRAPH AGS-G100N manufactured by SHIMADZU CORPORATION can be used.

[0159]

- "Tensile stress" means the tensile load (N/35mm) measured during stretching in the elastic zone in a tensile test in which the initial clamp spacing (distance between marked lines) is set to 50mm and the stretching speed is set to 300mm /min in accordance with JIS K7127:1999 “Plastics - Test method for tensile properties”, and the degree of stretching can be determined accordingly depending on the test object. It is preferable to make a test piece with a rectangular shape with a width of 35 mm and a length of 80 mm or more. However, when it may not be possible to cut a test piece having a width of 35 mm, prepare a test piece having a width that allows cutting, and the measured value is taken as the value to be converted to the value corresponding to the width of 35 mm. In addition, even in the case where the predetermined area is small and test pieces of sufficient size cannot be taken, when comparing the tensile stress value, at least the comparison can be made by appropriately using small size test pieces, provided that the test pieces have the same dimensions. As the tensile testing machine, for example, AUTOGRAPH AGS-G100N manufactured by SHIMADZU CORPORATION can be used.

[0160]

- "Unfolded state" means the flat unfolded/spread state without constriction or sagging.

[0161]

- The size of each part means the size in the extended state, and not in the state of natural length, unless otherwise indicated. Specifically, the sizes of the connected parts are the sizes in the state in which they are stretched to the limit (the state before breaking the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer), and substantially coincide with the sizes of the projecting parts on the anvil having the configuration of the connected parts.

[0162]

- When the test and measurement environment is not described, it is understood that the test and measurement should be carried out in a testing laboratory or in a testing device under normal conditions (at the test site, the temperature is 23 ± 1 ° C, the relative humidity is 50 ± 2%) .

Industrial Applicability

[0163]

Provided that a stretch zone is included for which an elastic sheet stretch structure can be applied, the invention can be used for conventional disposable wear products such as various disposable diapers such as tape-attached diapers, panty liners, etc., sanitary napkins, and disposable wear articles intended for swimming and playing in the water, in addition to a disposable underpants-type diaper, as in this example.

List of reference positions

[0164]

ten INTERNAL UNIT 10V ZONE OF BONDING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ELEMENTS eleven TOP SHEET 12 SHEET NOT PERMEABLE TO LIQUIDS 13 ABSORBENT COMPONENT 13N TAPERING PART fourteen WRAP SHEET 17 SIDE PART WITHOUT ABSORBENT COMPONENT 19 NON-STRETCH SHEET twenty OUTDOOR UNIT 20A FIRST SHEET LAYER 20V SECOND SHEET LAYER 20C BENT PART 20X STRETCH STRUCTURE WITH ELASTIC SHEET 21 SIDE SEAM PART 23 WAIST END 24 ELASTIC WAIST PIECE 25F, 25f Wrinkle formed during contraction 29 LINE AROUND THE FOOT thirty ELASTIC SHEET 31 HOLE FOR CONNECTION 33 VENTILATION HOLE 40, 40A, 40V CONNECTED PART (FIRST CONNECTED PART) 41 SECOND CONNECTED PART 42 THIRD CONNECTED PART 43 FOURTH CONNECTED PART 51 FIRST PATTERN 52 SECOND PATTERN 53 THIRD PATTERN 70 NONSTRETCH ZONE 80 STRETCH ZONE 82 STRETCHING ZONE OF THE EDGING PART 90 3D ASSEMBLY 93 OMITTED PART 94 FREE PART 95 ASSEMBLY SHEET 96 ELASTIC ASSEMBLY ELEMENT AT REAR BODY ED STRETCH DIRECTION (WIDTH DIRECTION) F FRONT MAIN PART L INTERMEDIATE PART XD ORTHOGONAL DIRECTION LD DIRECTION FORWARD-BACK T LOWER BODY PART sf SMALL FOLD bf BIG FOLD Rx SEPARATING DISTANCE Ru SEPARATING DISTANCE E1 FIRST STRETCHING ZONE E2 SECOND STRETCH ZONE E3 INTERMEDIATE ZONE

Claims (26)

1. A disposable wear article having a stretchable structure with an elastic sheet, in which the elastic sheet is placed between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are connected by connection holes passing through the elastic sheet or by an elastic a sheet located between them, in a plurality of connected parts located at intervals, wherein the zone having a stretchable structure with an elastic sheet has a stretchable zone, which is contracted in the stretching direction under the action of the stretching force of the elastic sheet, and is capable of stretching in the stretching direction, and a non-stretching zone, on the part of the elastic sheet located in the stretching zone, the first pattern is printed, including elements of the pattern, a second pattern is printed on the part of the elastic sheet located in the non-stretch zone, which includes elements of the pattern, the first pattern and the second pattern are the same when the stretchable zone and the non-stretchable zone have elongation at the elastic limit, and the size of the pattern elements of the first pattern determined in the stretch direction, when the degree of stretching of the stretch zone is 130% or more, is 80% or more of the size of the pattern elements of the first pattern determined in the stretch direction, when the stretch zone has elongation at the elastic limit. 2. A disposable product for wearing according to claim 1, containing: an area having an elastic sheet stretch structure and an area that does not have an elastic sheet stretch structure and is continuous with the area having an elastic sheet stretch structure, and a non-stretch sheet other than the elastic sheet and extending from the non-stretch zone to the zone having no stretch structure with the elastic sheet, wherein the non-stretch sheet is printed with a third pattern including a pattern element, and the third pattern includes pattern elements that are the same as the pattern elements of the first pattern when the stretchable area and the non-stretchable area are elongated at the elastic limit. 3. Disposable product for wearing according to claim 2, wherein the pattern elements are spaced in at least one of the second pattern and the third pattern, at least parts of the second pattern and the third pattern overlap each other, the minimum value of the interval determined in the stretch direction between the pattern elements located in the stretch direction in one of the second pattern and the third pattern is greater than the minimum value of the size of the pattern elements in the other pattern determined in the stretch direction, and the minimum value of the interval defined in the orthogonal direction between the elements of the pattern, located in the orthogonal direction, orthogonal to the direction of stretching, in one pattern, is greater than the minimum value of the size of the elements of the pattern determined in the orthogonal direction in the other pattern. 4. A disposable product for wearing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the disposable product for wearing is a disposable product in the form of underpants, designed to be worn and containing: an integral outer member covering the front body and the rear body, or an outer member provided separately for the front body and the rear body; an inner member attached to a portion of the outer member intermediate in the width direction and extending both from/to the front and from/to the back sides of the crotch portion; side seam portions obtained by joining respectively both side portions of the outer member in the front body portion and both side portions of the outer member in the rear body portion; waist hole; two holes for the right and left legs; and an absorbent component included in the inner member and extending both from/to the front and from/to the back of the crotch portion, wherein the outer element in at least one of the front body and the rear body has a zone corresponding to the absorbent component and defined as a zone extending in the front-to-back direction and overlapping the absorbent component, and an elastic sheet stretch structure is provided at least in an area that extends in the width direction and corresponds to the part located between the side seam portions in the area corresponding to the absorbent component, so that the direction of stretching of the elastic sheet stretch structure becomes the width direction, and in the zone corresponding to the absorbent component, the part intermediate in the width direction is a non-stretch zone, and the zone extending in the width direction and the corresponding part located between the non-stretch zone and the side seam parts is a stretch zone.

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